Common New Year Resolutions In America & How You Compare

The start of a new year brings new resolutions. Here's how the average American scales up when it comes to drafting their New Year goals… How do you fit in?

New Year, New Resolutions!

In the beginning of every year, we aim to start fresh and with a clean slate. We try to change the bad habits we have the year before that's why we make New Year's resolutions. But do we really keep them? I have to say, even I am guilty of it. I start the year with a list of the things I want to change and achieve but don't really end up fulfilling all of them. If you want to see how others fair in this area, here's an informative infographic on New Year's resolutions by the number. From the top 10 resolutions to the statistics, you'll see it all here.

New Year. New Resolutions.

For many of us, a new year brings the promise of a fresh start. But now, a week into the new year, let's be honest—how many of us have really stuck with our resolutions? If you nodded your head, you're not alone. Take a look at New Year's resolutions by the numbers.

New Year's Top 10 Resolutions

45% of Americans will make New Year's resolutions. Here are the top 10:

1. Spend more time with the family.
2. Get in shape.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Enjoy life more.
6. Quit drinking.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something new.
9. Help others.
10. Get organized.

Why Your Resolutions Won't Stick

Only 8% of you will be successful in achieving your resolutions. Here's why:

1. You didn't make a plan for it.
2. You forgot the reasons why you were doing it.
3. You didn't plan for setbacks.
4. You didn't have a strong support network.
5. You took on too much too fast.

Resolution Breakdown

• 47% – Self-improvement or education-related resolutions
• 38% – Weight-related resolutions
• 34% – Money-related resolutions
• 31% – Relationship-related resolutions

Getting Fit and Losing Weight

• 38% of resolutions are weight-related. Let's weigh in on some fitness statistics.
• Last year, Americans spent $62 Billion on health club memberships, weight-loss programs, exercise tapes, diet soda, etc.
• At many gyms, new memberships double in January
• Individual members typically visit the gym. Only 54 times a year, or slightly more than once a week.

Age and Gender

• 6 in 10 Americans younger than 45 years old are likely to make a New Year's resolution compared to 3 in 10 Americans 45 and older.
• Gender doesn't seem to play a role—similar proportions of women and men plan to make resolutions.

So what do you think of the numbers? In what percentile are you included? Share your thoughts with us below in the comments! 🙂

Want to make your resolutions stick?

Get tips here: How to Write Meaningful New Year’s Resolutions That Will Make A Difference This Year!